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Choo remains in Cleveland, looks to the future

Choo remains in Cleveland, looks to the future

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Shin-Soo Choo

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KANSAS CITY -- Shin-Soo Choo tried not to focus too much on the rumors that swirled in recent days, but it was hard for the Indians right fielder not to consider the possibility that he might be dealt before Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Choo did not go anywhere.

"I wasn't really worried about it, but I was still thinking about it," Choo said on Tuesday afternoon. "Am I going? Will I stay here? But it didn't bother me. I don't have any control. My job is just to play every day and play hard and try to help the team win games."

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, multiple reports named the Pirates, Rangers, Dodgers and Reds as potential suitors for Choo, who is expected to test free agency after next season. Choo remains a key part of Cleveland's lineup, though, and has been one of the team's top performers this season.

Entering Tuesday's game against the Royals, the 30-year-old Choo was hitting .291 with 12 home runs, 32 doubles and 39 RBIs in 96 games. The right fielder has served mainly as a leadoff man for Cleveland, which headed into Tuesday's action five games off the White Sox's pace in the American League Central.

Choo said he still thinks the Indians -- swept over the weekend in Minnesota following an emotional series win at home against Detroit -- can make a push for the postseason.

"I still have very good confidence in this team," Choo said. "We had a winning series against Detroit and everybody had a lot of energy. It was exciting. We were closer to having a chance at the playoffs and then we lost three games against Minnesota. But that's part of the game, part of a season."

That said, Choo added that he would like to see the front office make a trade for some help.

"I hope so. Why not?" Choo said. "We knew in Spring Training our lineup was all left-handed hitters. We needed a right-handed power hitter and they were looking for it. And then starting pitchers. Next season, or maybe later [this season], you never know.